“It really is a chance for us to bring together a lot of people who are doing great work in Grand Rapids and around the country and have a chance to listen to what these things are and get inspired, get renewed, get some new ideas, and improve the quality of work that we all are doing.”

“Right now, in the past year, we’ve seen a lot of issues as it pertains to Grand Rapids Police Department, and the opportunities are still there to improve the relations and the communications between the GRPD and the community, and I think Shaun King can add to that conversation.”

In addition to King, there will be a number of breakout sessions both policing and on other matters of concern for communities in the urban core. But also, tonight kicks off with the Community Spirit Awards.

“So there’s awards to the ‘Community spirit award,’ which is given to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to making their communities better; there’s entrepreneur awards for individuals who are using business solutions to solve community problems; there’s innovation and collaborative awards for people who are coming just coming together in unique ways to solve community problems.”

If you want to attend, but don’t’ have a ticket, they will be available at the door.